Automatic beverage maker

ABSTRACT

An automatic beverage system for producing a hot flavored beverage. The system includes a base unit having a water reservoir, a control system for heating liquid from the reservoir, a cartridge arm having a water injector and a cartridge holder, a pump and tubing system connecting the water reservoir to the cartridge holder and used to move water, and a container base positioned in an area adjacent the base unit and below the cartridge holder. The cartridge holder is adapted to receive interchangeable cartridges depending on the type and size of beverage desired. The beverage system is capable of using a beverage pod to dispense an individual cup of coffee or the like, and it is also capable of brewing larger volumes of coffee using freshly ground coffee beans. The heating element and related safety features ensure that the water is safely heated and maintained at an optimal brewing temperature.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of, and claimspriority to U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/867,012filed Jan. 10, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to automatic beverage makers.Specifically, the invention relates to automatic beverage makers forbrewing hot or cold beverages of various sizes including individualsingle-servings and large carafes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When it comes to one's morning routine, there are few things moresatisfying than a cup of coffee. More than 50 years ago that meant astove top coffee percolator which would repeatedly move heated water upa metal tube to spill over a small heap of fresh ground coffee beans.The automatic drip coffee maker was later introduced, which would heatwater in a reservoir and slowly drip over a small heap of fresh groundcoffee beans. The trend then turned to coffee shops on every corner,including STARBUCKS, GLORIA JEAN'S, DUNKIN donuts, and even MCDONALDSMCCAFE.

Despite the proliferation of these coffee shops, people still enjoy agood cup of coffee at home. The introduction of the automatic podcoffeemaker revolutionized the coffee industry by replacing slow dripcoffeemakers and offering coffee enthusiasts a convenient cup of coffeewithout the need of going out and waiting in lines at coffee shops. Muchlike color television in the 1960's and smartphones in the 2000's, thepopularity of pod coffeemakers has spread like wildfire over the lastfive years. Individual coffee pods now make it possible to have a hotcup of coffee in less than a minute. Coffee is not the only beveragethat can be made from pod machines. Hot chocolate, tea, soup broths, andeven hot apple cider are just a few of the possible beverages that canbe made with pod machines.

However, these beverage machines are not without their drawbacks. Forexample, the pods are suitable for only a single cup of coffee or otherbeverages. Those who desire more than one cup of coffee could go throughseveral pods every day. In situations where a full or half carafe ofcoffee is needed, pods are simply not appropriate. The pods are moreexpensive than a bag of coffee beans or grounds, and generate much morewaste. Additionally, there are times where a user may want the option ofusing commercially available beverage pods, but also the option ofgrinding their own coffee beans to brew a more traditional carafe ofcoffee for several people. However, brewing coffee with a large amountof coffee grounds, compared to the amount of grounds in a singlebeverage pod, requires adequate water saturation of the beverage mediumto ensure proper extraction. Thus, extraction needs for a pod versus abed of coffee grounds is much different, and there exists a need tosolve this problem using a single beverage system.

Yet another problem with traditional automatic beverage makers ismaintaining the optimal water temperature when brewing a beverage. Theinternal hot water tank of traditional beverage makers is typically madeof steel or other such metals. As the water heats in the metal tube,occasionally a perceptible metallic flavor is introduced. In addition,water left in the internal hot water tank for a period of time candevelop bacterial, mold, or other infestations.

Until the invention of the present application, these and other problemsin the prior art went either unnoticed or unsolved by those skilled inthe art. The present invention provides an automatic beverage makerwhich performs multiple functions with the associated pod devices tocreate a hot drink without compromising the flavor quality, style oraffordability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is disclosed herein an improved automatic beverage system whichavoids the disadvantages of prior devices while affording additionalstructural and operating advantages.

Generally, the beverage system comprises a base unit having a waterreservoir, a control system, a pump and tubing system, a cartridge armand a cartridge holder.

In specific embodiments of the beverage system, the control system ishoused within the base unit and comprises a heating element, a pressuresensor and a housing, the heating element controls the temperature ofthe water in the housing and the pressure sensor regulates the waterlevels in the housing as the water is heated. A pump and tubing systemare located within the base unit and connect the water reservoir to thehousing and to the cartridge arm. A water injector is fixed to thecartridge arm and receives water from the housing when in operation. Acartridge holder is coupled to the cartridge arm and configured toreceive a cartridge. During operation, water is dispensed from the waterinjector into the cartridge to form a beverage of choice.

In one embodiment, a container is preferably configured to sit on acontainer base positioned in an area adjacent the base unit and belowthe cartridge holder to accept brewed liquids. The container includes alid having an inlet opening for accepting a heated liquid from thereservoir via a spout positioned on the cartridge holder.

In another embodiment, the cartridge holder is adapted to receiveinterchangeable cartridges including either a water cartridge, a podcartridge and a grounds cartridge. Each cartridge serves a differentfunction such as dispensing hot water, making an individual cup ofcoffee using a beverage pod, or brewing a half or full carafe of coffeeusing freshly ground coffee beans.

In yet another embodiment, a lid of the grounds cartridge is providedhaving a plurality of delivery holes configured to divert the water flowpath over an entire bed of coffee grounds to maximize saturation of thegrounds.

In other specific embodiments, the internal components of the beveragesystem are comprised of a glass housing and control system having a NTCThermistor, a heating element, a double safety switch, pressure sensors,pump and a tubing system.

In a further embodiment, the control system includes a plurality ofuser-selectable temperature settings. A still further embodiment alsoincludes a drain in fluid communication with the housing or the pump andtubing system.

These and other aspects of the invention may be understood more readilyfrom the following description and the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject mattersought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, whenconsidered in connection with the following description, the subjectmatter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and manyof its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

FIGS. 1-2 are a collection of images showing an embodiment of thebeverage system in perspective views;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the beverage system with the adjustableplate;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the beverage system and components ofthe container base;

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the control panel of the beverage system;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the beverage system in an open position;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the beverage system showing the cartridge holderand placement of the interchangeable cartridges;

FIG. 8 is top view of the beverage system in an open position showingthe pod cartridge in place;

FIG. 9 is a close-up view of the water injector and first puncturedevice;

FIG. 10 is perspective view the water cartridge of the beverage system;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the water cartridge of the beverage system;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the water cartridge with the lidremoved of the beverage system;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the pod cartridge in an open positionof the beverage system;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the pod cartridge in an open position;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the lid of the grounds cartridge with the capremoved of the beverage system;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the bottom lid of the grounds cartridgein an open position with the filter removed of the beverage system;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the grounds cartridge of the beverage system;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the container of the beverage system;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the container of the beverage systemwith the lid removed;

FIG. 20 is perspective view of the control system and housing of thebeverage system;

FIG. 21 is a close-up view of the control system;

FIG. 22 is a close-up view of the cartridge holder of the beveragesystem; and

FIG. 23 is a schematic of the control system of the beverage system.

FIG. 24 is a close-up view of the control system of an embodiment of thebeverage system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail at least one preferred embodiment of the invention with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered anexemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intendedto limit the broad aspect of the invention to any of the specificembodiments illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 1-23, there is illustrated a beverage system,generally designated by the numeral 10, as well as various componentsfor the system. As illustrated and discussed below, system 10 is mostoften used and described as a coffeemaker. However, it should beunderstood that the principles of the invention can be more broadlyapplied to a beverage system suitable for making coffee, tea and otherhot beverages, as well as broths for soup, stews, and the like and evenother types of drinks that may be served cold, such as iced tea and icedcoffee.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1-4 and 20-21, the system 10 includes a baseunit 12 having a water reservoir 14, a control system 16 for heatingwater from the reservoir 14, a cartridge holder 34, a pump 32 and tubingsystem 30 connecting the water reservoir 14 to the cartridge holder 34and used to move water. A control system 16 is housed within the baseunit 12 and coupled to the heating element 26 and pump 32 to controltemperature and movement of the water from the reservoir 14 to thecartridge holder 34. A container 44 is configured to sit within an areaadjacent the base unit 12 and below the cartridge holder 34.

Many factors contribute to making the perfect cup of coffee, but one ofthe most critical factors is maintaining an optimal water temperatureduring the brew process. Water is an essential part of the brewingprocess because water draws the flavor from coffee. This process isreferred to as extraction. For optimal extraction, the water temperatureshould be between 195° F.-205° F. Over extraction occurs when the wateris too hot, yielding coffee that tastes bitter, whereas under extractionoccurs when the water is too cold, leaving coffee that tastes weak.Heating element 26 heats water from the reservoir 14 in a glass housing18 to the optimal temperature. The water reservoir 14 can be configuredto hold as little water as necessary for a single brew, or it may belarger to accommodate 48 oz., 60 oz., even 72 oz. volumes of water, asnecessary.

FIGS. 20-21 and 23 refer to the internal components of the system 10.The control system is comprised of a heating element 26, a pressuresensor 29 and a housing 18. In one embodiment the housing has a coating20 of tin oxide (SnO₂). The housing 18 has copper bands 22 forconducting heat. It is preferred that the housing 18 is comprised ofglass, as opposed to steel, to avoid generating a metallic taste in theresulting beverage.

While maintaining the water temperature within the optimal range of 195°F.-205° F. is significant, temperatures greater than 210° F. degreescould comprise the heating element 26 and housing 18, causing them tomalfunction and ultimately shatter. Therefore, an accurate negativetemperature coefficient (NTC) Thermistor 24 is used as a preferredtemperature sensor for the beverage system 10. In addition to theThermistor 24, the present invention also includes a control system 16having a double safety switch 28 to prevent overheating of liquid. Thecontrol system 16 is coupled to the heating element 26. Preferably, theheating element 26 is comprised of a glass-coated coil and the controlsystem 16 comprises a double safety switch 28 to prevent overheating ofliquid. The redundant fuses serve to add a higher level of protection inthe event one fuse/switch should fail. For example, if one fuse were tomalfunction, the second fuse will activate. Pressure gauge sensors 29are also located in the control system 16 to ensure the water levels aremaintained at a desired level in the housing 18 to prevent build-up ofpressure as the water is heated. It is recommended that there is atleast 10 mm of space between the water level in the housing 18 and thetop of the housing 18. Such a water level clearance ensures there isadequate space to compensate for rises in pressure if the water boils.

A tubing system 30 and pump 32 connect the water reservoir 14 to thecartridge holder 34 to channel heated water into the cartridge holder34. The tubing system 30 includes a water safe leakage system in theevent there is a blockage in the tubing resulting in a built up ofpressure. Generally, the tubing can withstand approximately 2 bars ofpressure, whereas the pump 32 can pump up to 4 bars of pressure. Incircumstances where the pressure builds up in the tubing system 30, thepump 32 will continue to operate and a pressure relief opening 31 (shownin FIG. 22) located in the cartridge holder 34 will alleviate any excesspressure.

A control panel 33 is housed within base 12 and coupled to the controlsystem 30 and pump 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the control panel 33 allows auser to select various parameters for the beverage desired. Forinstance, a user may select regular, bold or iced coffee, or simply hotwater. Additionally, a user can select from a variety of beverage sizesincluding 8 oz., 12 oz., a half carafe or full carafe. While the systemallows selection from set brewing sizes, 8 oz., 12 oz. and 16 oz., othersizes may also be added. Obviously, the 8 oz. selection is good for astronger brew while the 16 oz. makes a weaker cup of coffee.

It has been found that the optimal temperature range for brewing coffeeis between 107.6 and 204.8 degrees Fahrenheit. In an embodiment (FIG.24), the control panel 33 includes user-selectable temperature settingsdepending on the desired beverage. As shown in FIG. 24, theuser-selectable temperatures in an embodiment can be 175, 185 and 205degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures give a sufficiently broad rangesuitable for hot beverages such as coffee, tea or hot chocolateaccording to the user's preference.

Referring to FIG. 6, the cartridge holder 34 has a hinged cartridge arm35 with a handle 35 a. The cartridge holder 34 is adapted to receiveinterchangeable cartridges 36 having different configurations andvarying functions. Depending on the cartridge type selected, one can usethe interchangeable cartridges 36 to make a single cup of coffee orother beverage, a half or full carafe of coffee or simply dispensefiltered hot water. When the cartridge arm 35 is in a closed position,the arm 35 is designed to receive heated water from the reservoir 14 anddispense through a water injector 38 at a very high pressure. The heatedwater ultimately travels through a selected cartridge 36, after whicheither hot water or brewed liquid exits the bottom spout 40 of thecartridge holder 34. Regardless of the cartridge 36 used, the waterinjector 38 remains in a fixed positioned on the cartridge arm 35 at alltimes during operation.

The flow of water is determined by the cartridge used. The configurationof the cartridge allows water to either pass through an individualbeverage pod (not shown), completely saturate a bed of coffee grounds ina filter basket 306, or simply dispense hot water. Thus, an advantage ofthe present invention is the ability to use a single beverage system tomake an individual cup of coffee using beverage pods or a full-sizedcarafe of coffee using freshly ground coffee beans.

As mentioned above and shown in FIGS. 6-8, the cartridge holder 34 isadapted to receive interchangeable cartridges 36 that fit securely inthe cartridge holder 34. The cartridges 36 include a hot water cartridge100, a pod cartridge 200, and a grounds cartridge 300. Eachinterchangeable cartridge 36 is uniquely constructed to serve adifferent function. For instance, FIGS. 10-12 disclose a hot watercartridge 100 having a detachable lid 108 with an inlet 110 throughwhich heated water is dispensed from the water injector 38. The lid 108may be detachable or hinged and has a ridge 112 to easily open andclose.

In operation, a water cartridge 100 is placed in the cartridge holder 34and the cartridge arm 35 is closed. When the cartridge arm 35 is closed,the water injector 38 fits directly in the inlet 110 of the watercartridge lid. Once the water is heated to its optimal temperature, itis dispensed from the water injector 38 of the cartridge arm 35, throughthe inlet 110 of the lid 108 of the water cartridge 100 and is guidedthrough a narrow funnel 102 and exits through an outlet 106 of thecartridge 100 and into a container 44. The funnel 102 has at least oneangled sidewall 104 to ensure the water is directed towards the spout106 and prevents pooling. The narrow funnel design guides the flow ofwater directly out of the spout 106 to prevent any heat loss. In otherwords, the water cartridge 100 directs the flow of water directly out ofthe spout 106 of the cartridge 100 and into the container 44, so it doesnot collect in the cartridge 100 and cool off. The hot water cartridge100 can be used to prepare food or beverages that require adding onlyhot water, such as instant soups, teas and hot chocolate to name a few.

FIGS. 13-14 disclose a pod cartridge 200 having a lid 202 hinged to apod cavity 204. While a hinge is disclosed, it is possible to attach thelid 202 to the pod cavity 204 with any sort of opening and closingmechanism such as snaps, teeth or the like. Alternatively, the lid 202could be fully removed. As shown in FIG. 14, the lid 202 of the podcartridge 200 has a pod chamber 210 for receiving individual flavoredbeverage pods. Depressions 212 are included in the lid 202 to allow auser to readily insert and remove a pod from the pod chamber 210. Thepod chamber 210 can be used with either disposable beverage pods orreuseable beverage pods. The bottom of the pod chamber 214 includes asecond tubular puncture device 218 designed to pierce the bottom of abeverage pod. A first puncture device 39 is included on the cartridgearm 35 and is adjacent to the water injector 38. As shown in FIG. 9, thewater injector 38 is angled so when the first puncture device 39 piercesthe top of a beverage pod, the water injector also punctures the top ofthe beverage pod. This ensures water will be forced directly into thebeverage pod from the reservoir 14. A plurality of openings 216 arelocated on the bottom 214 of the pod chamber 210. The pod cavity 204 hascurved sidewalls 206 that conform to the shape of the pod chamber 210 sowhen the lid 202 is closed, the pod chamber 210 fits securely within thepod cavity 204. The bottom of the pod cavity 220 is angled to guideliquid through an outlet 222 into a container 44 and prevent pooling.When the system 10 is in a closed position with the pod cartridge 200,there is a space between the pod chamber 210 and pod cavity 204. Thisspace relieves pressure created by the water being forced through thewater injector 38.

In operation, a pod cartridge 200 is placed in the cartridge holder 34and the cartridge arm 35 is closed. When the cartridge arm 35 is closed,the water injector 38 and first puncture device 39 fit directly in theinlet of the pod cartridge lid. As pressure is applied when closing thecartridge arm 35, the second tubular puncture device 218 pierces thebottom of the beverage pod, while the first puncture device 39 and thewater injector 38 pierces the top of the beverage pod. Once the water isheated to its optimal temperature, it is dispensed at a very highpressure from the water injector 38 into the beverage pod where thewater saturates the coffee grounds and undergoes extraction. Due to theforce of water coming through the water injector 38, after extraction,the liquid is forced through the second tubular device 218 at the bottomof the pod chamber 210. The extracted liquid then passes through to thepod cavity 204 to the bottom 220 of the pod cavity. The bottom 220 ofthe pod cavity is angled to guide the liquid through an outlet 222 andinto a container 44. The pod cartridge 200 can be used to preparebeverages that require commercially available flavor pods, includingcoffee, teas, hot chocolate and chai teas to name a few.

FIGS. 15-17 disclose a grounds cartridge 300 having a lid 302 hinged toa grounds receptacle 304. As discussed above, the hinged lid 302 may beattached by an opening and closing mechanism, or alternatively, may befully removed. As shown in FIG. 16, the grounds receptacle 304 isconfigured to securely fit a filter basket 306. While a reusable filteris preferred, it is foreseeable to use a disposable filter with thepresent invention. The filter basket 306 is designed to hold any amountof coffee grounds necessary to brew a desired amount of coffee. Forinstance, the filter 306 is large enough to hold coffee groundssufficient to brew a full-sized carafe of coffee, but can also be usedto hold coffee grounds sufficient to brew any amount less than afull-sized carafe.

Another significant factor when brewing coffee is to ensure the groundsare adequately saturated during the brewing process. Specifically,infusion brewing involves water constantly flowing through a bed ofground coffee and filter. This is also known as drip brewing. In orderfor proper extraction to take place, a constant supply of water isprovided to completely saturate the bed of coffee grounds. However,since there are more coffee grounds in a filter basket compared to abeverage pod, the water must cover a greater surface area to ensuresufficient saturation. The present invention solves this problem byusing a lid 302 that maximizes the surface area for water to flow andsaturate the bed of coffee grounds.

FIG. 15 depicts one embodiment of the present invention of a lid 302comprising a first ring 308 and a second ring 322. The first and secondrings 308, 322 are comprised of a plurality of delivery holes 320. Asshown in FIG. 15, the first ring 308 further comprises a plurality ofprotrusions 310 that collectively form a circle. Each protrusion 310 hasa first wall 312 facing the lid's center, two sidewalls 314, 316, and acurved back wall 318 that surrounds a delivery hole 320 for water topass. The second ring 322 further comprises a circular wall 324 withbulges 326 that surround a series of delivery holes 320 through whichwater can pass. The distance from the center of the lid, to the deliveryholes 320 of this first ring 308 is substantially the same distance fromthe center of the lid to delivery holes 320 of the second ring 322. Thecenter of the lid is where the water injector 38 is positioned when thecartridge arm 35 is in a closed position. Significantly, the distancefrom the center of the lid to delivery hole 320 of the first ring 308 issubstantially equi-distance from the center of the lid to delivery hole320 of the second ring 322. As shown in FIG. 16, the delivery holes 320pass through the bottom part of the lid 302 so water can flow evenlyover the coffee grounds in the grounds cartridge 300. A cap 328 snaps onto the lid 302 to ensure all liquids are contained during use. The cap328 has an aperture 303 in the center for receiving water from theinjector 38.

The present invention contemplates a variety of configurations thatcould be used in the grounds lid 302 to direct water flow throughdelivery holes 320, the importance being that when the water flows, thedistance the water travels from the center of the lid to the deliveryholes of the first ring is equi-distance to the distance the watertravels to the delivery holes of the second ring. Thus, any wall,obstacle or other such impediment that diverts the flow of water in thismanner may be used in connection with the present invention, as long asthe path of water from the water injector 38 to the delivery holes 320of each ring is equi-distance to one another.

In operation, a grounds cartridge 300 is placed in the cartridge holder34 and the cartridge arm 35 is closed. When the cartridge arm 35 isclosed, the water injector 38 fits directly in the aperture 303 of thelid 302 of the grounds cartridge. Once the water is heated to itsoptimal temperature, it is dispensed from the water injector 38 of thecartridge arm 35, through the aperture 303 of the lid 302. Water floodsthe center of the lid 302 and the protrusions 310 and wall 324 redirectwater to delivery holes 320, along the circumference of the rings 308,322. Since the delivery holes 320 are generally equi-distant from thecenter of the lid, as the water floods the lid from the water injector38, the flow of water will travel the same distance to the deliveryholes 320 causing the water to flow through all the delivery holessimultaneously. As shown in FIG. 15, the delivery holes 320 are not justin the center of the lid, but are dispersed all over the lid. In oneembodiment there are at least two concentric rings of delivery holes.This effectively results in optimal surface area coverage for water tosaturate the coffee grounds and maximizes the flow of water over thegrounds in the filter basket 306.

A container 44 such as a coffee mug, thermos or carafe is configured tosit in an area adjacent the base unit 12 directly below the cartridgeholder 34 on a container base 50. FIGS. 18-19 depict a container in oneembodiment of the present invention. The container base 50 is configuredto receive an adjustable plate 52 that rests securely within thecontainer base 50, as seen in FIG. 2. A separate drainage plate 54 restswithin the adjustable plate 52 for spills to drain into the adjustableplate 52. As shown in FIG. 3, the adjustable plate 52 may be raised orlowered by fastening the plate 52 into grooves 56 located in the base ofthe system 10. When brewing a single cup of coffee, the plate 52 may beraised to minimize the distance the liquid will travel after brewing toprevent heat loss. Each outlet of the interchangeable cartridges 36 areconfigured such that when the system is in a closed position the outletof the interchangeable cartridge 36 extends beyond the outlet of thecartridge holder spout 40. Thus, the exiting liquid is exposed to littleor no ambient air before it enters the container 44, further minimizingthe amount of heat lost. The container 44 includes a lid 46 having aninlet opening 48 for accepting a heated liquid via spout 40 at thebottom of the cartridge holder 34. Inlet opening 48 almost touches thebottom outlet of the interchangeable cartridge 36.

Water left in the housing 18 for a length of time can result in abacteria or mold growth. To avoid such possibility, in anotherembodiment of the present invention, a drain can be provided to drainwater from the housing 18. The drain can consist of an outlet openinglocated in a bottom portion of the housing 18. A tube may be insertedinto the outlet opening in communication with the interior of thehousing 18 to permit control of the direction of water flow from thehousing 18. The tube may include a plug or valve to selectively seal thetube and opening to control the water flow.

Alternately, a drain consisting of a valve may be used in fluidcommunication with the outlet opening. The valve should preferably beselectively operable by a user who would open the valve when he or shedesires to empty the housing 18. The valve could be controlled to beoperable only after any water in the housing 18 has fallen below acertain temperature to avoid potentially scalding the user. In a furtheralternative, the drain may be placed in fluid communication with thetubing system 30 to allow water to be drained from the housing 18 viathe pump and tubing system 30.

The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanyingdrawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation.While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will beapparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications maybe made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants'contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended tobe defined in the following claims when viewed in their properperspective based on the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. An automatic beverage system comprising: a waterreservoir; a control system including a heating element, a pressuresensor and a housing, the heating element to control a temperature ofwater in the housing, the pressure sensor to regulate water levels inthe housing, the control system also including a user-selectabletemperature setting; a pump and tubing system connecting the waterreservoir to the housing and connecting the housing to a cartridge arm,the pump and tubing system used to move water from the water reservoirto the cartridge arm, the cartridge arm having a water injector fixed tothe cartridge arm and for receiving water from the housing duringoperation; a cartridge; and a cartridge holder coupled to the cartridgearm, the cartridge holder configured to receive the cartridge, whereinthe water injector dispenses water into the cartridge to form abeverage, and the cartridge is an interchangeable grounds cartridgecomprising a lid having a plurality of delivery holes through whichwater flows into the cartridge; wherein the delivery holes on the lidare arranged into at least first and second rings concentric to a centerof the lid; wherein the lid further comprises an impediment fordiverting a flow of water from the water injector positioned at thecenter of the lid through the delivery holes such that a distance of theflow of water from the center of the lid to the delivery holes of thefirst ring is equal to a distance of the flow of water from the centerof the lid to the delivery holes of the second ring; and wherein theimpediment comprises a plurality of protrusions partially surroundingeach respective delivery hole of the first ring and a circular wallsurrounding the delivery holes of the second ring.
 2. The automaticbeverage system of claim 1, wherein the user-selectable temperaturesetting includes temperatures in the range of 175 to 205 degreesFahrenheit.
 3. The automatic beverage system of claim 1 furthercomprising a drain in fluid communication with the housing.
 4. Theautomatic beverage system of claim 3 wherein the drain is in fluidcommunication with the pump and tubing system.
 5. The automatic beveragesystem of claim 4 wherein the drain includes a valve.
 6. The automaticbeverage system of claim 3 wherein the drain includes a valve.
 7. Anautomatic beverage system comprising: a water reservoir; a controlsystem including a heating element, a pressure sensor and a housing, theheating element to control a temperature of water in the housing, thepressure sensor to regulate water levels in the housing, the controlsystem also including a user-selectable temperature setting; a pump andtubing system connecting the water reservoir to the housing andconnecting the housing to a cartridge arm, the pump and tubing systemused to move water from the water reservoir to the cartridge arm, thecartridge arm having a water injector fixed to the cartridge arm and forreceiving water from the housing during operation; a plurality ofinterchangeable cartridges; and a cartridge holder coupled to thecartridge arm, the cartridge holder configured to individually receiveeach of the plurality of interchangeable cartridges, wherein the waterinjector dispenses water into one of the plurality of cartridges to forma beverage, and at least one of the plurality of interchangeablecartridges comprises a lid having a plurality of delivery holes throughwhich water flows into the cartridge, the delivery holes arranged intoat least first and second rings concentric to a center of the lid;wherein the lid further comprises an impediment for diverting a flow ofwater from the water injector positioned at the center of the lidthrough the delivery holes such that a distance of the flow of waterfrom the center of the lid to the delivery holes of the first ring isequal to a distance of the flow of water from the center of the lid tothe delivery holes of the second ring; and wherein the impedimentcomprises a plurality of protrusions partially surrounding eachrespective delivery hole of the first ring and a circular wallsurrounding the delivery holes of the second ring.
 8. The automaticbeverage system of claim 7, wherein the user-selectable temperaturesetting includes temperatures in the range of 175 to 205 degreesFahrenheit.
 9. The automatic beverage system of claim 7 furthercomprising a drain in fluid communication with the housing.
 10. Theautomatic beverage system of claim 9 wherein the drain is in fluidcommunication with the pump and tubing system.
 11. The automaticbeverage system of claim 10 wherein the drain includes a valve.
 12. Theautomatic beverage system of claim 9 wherein the drain includes a valve.13. An automatic beverage system comprising: a water reservoir; acontrol system including a heating element, a pressure sensor and ahousing, the heating element to control a temperature of water in thehousing, the pressure sensor to regulate water levels in the housing; apump and tubing system connecting the water reservoir to the housing andconnecting the housing to a cartridge arm, the pump and tubing systemused to move water from the water reservoir to the cartridge arm, thecartridge arm having a water injector fixed to the cartridge arm and forreceiving water from the housing during operation; a drain in fluidcommunication with the housing; a cartridge; and a cartridge holdercoupled to the cartridge arm, the cartridge holder configured to receivethe cartridge, wherein the water injector dispenses water into thecartridge to form a beverage, and the cartridge comprises a lid having aplurality of delivery holes through which water flows into thecartridge, the delivery holes arranged into at least first and secondrings concentric to a center of the lid; wherein the lid furthercomprises an impediment for diverting a flow of water from the waterinjector positioned at the center of the lid through the delivery holessuch that a distance of the flow of water from the center of the lid tothe delivery holes of the first ring is equal to a distance of the flowof water from the center of the lid to the delivery holes of the secondring; and wherein the impediment comprises a plurality of protrusionspartially surrounding each respective delivery hole of the first ringand a circular wall surrounding the delivery holes of the second ring.14. The automatic beverage system of claim 13, wherein the drain is influid communication with the pump and tubing system.
 15. The automaticbeverage system of claim 14 wherein the drain includes a valve.
 16. Theautomatic beverage system of claim 13 wherein the drain includes avalve.